Abstract: A method for manufacturing a stator (24) for an electrostatic loudspeaker in which at least a part of a structure (28) for forming the stator (24) is moulded from an electrically insulating material. This structure (28) may be a frame of the stator. To complete the stator (24), electrically conductive portions (30) are combined with the moulded structure to form a complete structure that includes an electrically conductive grid (29). The electrically conductive portions (30) may be a preformed grid (29). The frame (28) and the grid (29) may be press-fitted together. Alternatively the moulded structure may be electrically conductive, and electrically insulating portions may be combined with it to form a complete stator. Manufacture of electrostatic loudspeaker stators using a moulding process allows for relatively low cost production methods that can repeatedly achieve a required high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention may provide an automatic oil-change system for an engine comprising: a first oil container, a second oil container and means for switching between the first oil container and the second oil container. The switching means may provide the engine with oil from the first oil container until a predetermined time and once a predetermined time is reached, the switching means may provide the engine with oil from the second oil container.

Abstract: Devices and methods for signature authentication of a bearer of a payment processing device during financial transactions are provided. The payment processing device is provided with a signature input panel configured to receive user input signature information for the purpose of authenticating the signature. After the bearer of the payment processing device writes her signature into the signature input panel, the input signature information is compared to a pre-stored signature profile stored in the payment processing device for authentication.

Abstract: Optimized bus powered peripheral battery charging includes a circuit to initiate a change in an advanced configuration and power interface (ACPI) state in a controller allowing charging of a peripheral device battery, the circuit including a signal converter coupled between an input port and the controller to sense when a the peripheral device battery is coupled to an input port and to restrict the controller from changing ACPI state multiple times for a given peripheral device battery coupling; and a ground loop detector coupled in parallel to the signal converter between the input port and the controller to allow the controller to know that the peripheral device battery has maintained being coupled to the input port.

Abstract: Aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure provide devices and methods for biometric authentication of a user during access control transactions. In one aspect, an access control processor device, comprising a biometric input sensor configured to receive user biometric information; a biometric verification processor configured to authenticate the input user biometric information; and a communication element configured to activate when the biometric information entered into the biometric verification system is authenticated and maintain an inactive status for the communication element on the payment processor device when the biometric information entered into the biometric verification system is not authenticated.

Abstract: Devices and methods for biometric authentication of a user during financial transactions are provided. In one aspect, a payment processor device comprising a biometric input sensor configured to receive user biometric information; a biometric verification processor configured to authenticate the input user biometric information; and a communication element configured to activate when the biometric information entered into the biometric verification system is authenticated and maintain an inactive status for the communication element on the payment processor device when the biometric information entered into the biometric verification system is not authenticated, is provided.

Abstract: Durable protective covers for drains and other holes are provided which prevent spills and unwanted liquids from flowing therein. The protective covers include a durable backing layer and a pliable, tacky sealing layer which conforms and adheres to a surface surrounding the drain to reduce or eliminate the flow of liquids into the drain. A low-density bonding layer is provided between the pliable, tacky sealing layer and the durable backing layer in order to provide significantly improved adherence between the layers.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a stator (24) for an electrostatic loudspeaker in which at least a part of a structure (28) for forming the stator (24) is moulded from an electrically insulating material. This structure (28) may be a frame of the stator. To complete the stator (24), electrically conductive portions (30) are combined with the moulded structure to form a complete stricture that includes an electrically conductive grid (29). The electrically conductive portions (30) may be a preformed grid (29). The frame (28) and the grid (29) may be press-fitted together. Alternatively the moulded structure may be electrically conductive, and electrically insulating portions may be combined with it to form a complete stator. Manufacture of electrostatic loudspeaker stators using a moulding process allows for relatively low cost production methods that can repeatedly achieve a required high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: In a digital cinema network of NTP-timekeeping devices in which one of the devices decodes video information, the scheduling of future instructions takes into account the differences between the nominal and actual frame rates of the video decoding device and the network's NTP latency.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a vacuum coating to a workpiece, including: a coating chamber containing a coating material, with the coating chamber being operable at an elevated temperature and a sub-atmospheric pressure; an electron beam gun projecting an electron beam into the coating chamber and onto the coating material, where the electron beam gun is operable to melt the coating material and to evaporate molten coating material; and, a mechanism for supporting manipulating the workpiece in the coating chamber. The supporting mechanism further includes: a coupling device for retaining the workpiece; a joint connected to the coupling device enabling movement of the workpiece in all directions; an intermediate member connecting the coupling device and the joint; and, a device connected to the intermediate member for moving the workpiece in a designated vertical plane.

Abstract: An improved device for reflecting, radiating, or receiving electromagnetic radiation, acoustic waves, or other energy forms through the use of a membrane stretched across a lightweight, round, frame structure. A near perfectly round and flat semi-rigid backplane surface (1) and a near perfectly round ring or stack of rings (2) are mutually reinforced, forming a raised circumferential planar surface, and a cavity within. A membrane (3) is attached to the top of the rings, forming one wall of a sealed chamber. A source of sub-ambient pressure (4) is applied to the chamber, causing a primary uniform deformation in the membrane for the purpose of manipulating electromagnetic radiation, acoustic waves, or other energy. The backplane surface also deforms uniformly, increasing the strength of the structure. A flat, rigid floating batten (5) prevents waves or wrinkles from forming in the membrane material.

Abstract: An improved device for reflecting, radiating, or receiving electromagnetic radiation, acoustic waves, or other energy forms through the use of a membrane stretched across a lightweight, round, frame structure. A near perfectly round and flat semi-rigid backplane surface (1) and a near perfectly round ring or stack of rings (2) are mutually reinforced, forming a raised circumferential planar surface, and a cavity within. A membrane (3) is attached to the top of the rings, forming one wall of a sealed chamber. A source of sub-ambient pressure (4) is applied to the chamber, causing a primary uniform deformation in the membrane for the purpose of manipulating electromagnetic radiation, acoustic waves, or other energy. The backplane surface also deforms uniformly, increasing the strength of the structure. A flat, rigid floating batten (5) prevents waves or wrinkles from forming in the membrane material.

Abstract: A device suitable for removing material from a living being is provided, featuring at least an aspiration pump, powered by a motor. The aspiration pump and any optional infusate pump preferably feature a helical pumping mechanism, and operate at a high rate of rotation, thereby ensuring adequate pumping performance and flexibility. The helical pumping mechanism may be a helical coiled wire about a central core tube. The helical coil wire, whether together with, or independent of, the core tube, may be rotated to cause a pumping action. Additionally, a narrow crossing profile is maintained, ensuring that the device may reach more tortuous regions of the vasculature. In one embodiment, the system comprises a wire-guided mono-rail catheter with a working head mounted on a flexible portion of the catheter that can laterally displace away from the guide wire to facilitate thrombus removal.

Abstract: An attachment tool to facilitate the attachment of one or more catheters or similar elongated instruments to a guide-wire or other elongated guide member, without requiring access to either end of said wire or member. The tool provides repeatable and reliable alignment of components to be attached, while being operated with a single hand. The catheter systems can be used for revascularization or treatment of arteries and lumens within the body, and the associated delivery of therapies therein and can include side attachable and over-the-wire components and/or low profile combination catheters to allow for flush and extraction of debris in small or tortuous anatomic pathways.

Abstract: An implant for deployment in select locations or select tissue for regeneration of tissue is disclosed. The implant comprising collagen and or other bio-resorbable materials, where the implant may also be used for therapy delivery. Additionally, the implant may be “matched” to provide the implant with similar physical and/or chemical properties as the host tissue.

Abstract: A system and method of use for effecting the bypass or other anastomosis, connection, or port in a portion of a native blood vessel, duct, lumen or other tubular organ within the body of a living being. The system includes a connector assembly and a deployment instrument for carrying the device to the desired position within the vessel, duct, lumen or tubular organ. The system includes a piercer-dilator instrument to form an opening in the wall of the vessel, duct, lumen or tubular organ into which a connector assembly may be deployed by the deployment instrument. The connector assembly may be at least partially formed of a resorbable material and includes movable members for securing it to the tissue of the vessel, duct, lumen or tubular organ contiguous with the opening. Other components may be included in the device for expediting the procedure, with or without the use of sutures.

Abstract: The application discloses various methods and systems to provide substitute information or objects for, e.g., substitution when making copies of media objects (e.g., audio, video or images). One method includes: receiving i) an identifier obtained from a steganographic encoding encoded in a media object, and ii) state information associated with the steganographic encoding or associated with the media object; obtaining—from a storage location—a substitute media object corresponding to the identifier; adjusting the substitute media object in accordance with the state information; providing the adjusted, substituted media object.

Abstract: A device suitable for removing material from a living being is provided, featuring an infusate pump, and an aspiration pump, both powered by a motor. The aspiration pump and infusate pump preferably feature a helical pumping mechanism, and operate at a high rate of rotation, thereby ensuring adequate pumping performance and flexibility. Additionally, a narrow crossing profile is maintained, ensuring that the device may reach more tortuous regions of the vasculature. In one embodiment, the system comprises a wire-guided mono-rail catheter with a working head mounted on a flexible portion of the catheter that can laterally displace away from the guide wire to facilitate thrombus removal. The working head may be operated to separate and move away from the guide wire to come within a closer proximity of the obstructive material to more effectively remove it from the vessel.

Abstract: An encapsulant for use with opto-electronic devices and optical components incorporates a filler made from a glass that has been processed into particle form and heated to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, along with an epoxy having an index of refraction matched to that of the glass and heated to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, to prevent settling of the filler particles after mixing the filler particles with the epoxy, and thereby obtaining uniform dispersion of the particles within the epoxy. The encapsulant provides for high light transmittance, and its coefficient of thermal expansion can be varied by varying the amount of filler without substantially altering the optical properties of the encapsulant. The coefficient of thermal expansion variation within the encapsulant preferably is less than 30%, due to uniform dispersion of the filler particles within the epoxy.

Abstract: A one-way speed bump for controlling both direction and speed of traffic is described. The speed bump has a shallow front face and a steep rear face. Vehicles approaching the front face of the speed bump are allowed to pass over the speed bump at a controlled rate of speed. Vehicles attempting to pass from the wrong direction will engage the steep rear face of the speed bump. This will cause the vehicle to be jolted and possibly damaged. Indicia may be provided on the steep rear face to warn drivers that they are traveling in the wrong direction.